HELP - ABBYMUMSNET NEEDS YOUR HOLIDAY SURVIVAL TIPS

Oh yes - I meant to say - the folders full of distraction items fit neatly into ds & dd's own mini-backpacks - so my big tip is: make them carry (at least some of) their own luggage as soon as they possibly can (which is at about four).

Absolutely agree on the small bundle of multi-use practical kit. As well as talc/earplugs/mosq. net (as others have said) we ALWAYS take a couple of those foam horseshoe-shaped door-stoppers (Boots do them). Also small medicine kit - plasters, Savlon, antihistamine, Calpol, Neurofen, have been the items most used. The bundle lives ready-packed in a cupboard so I can grab it without having to think.

Used to take a battery-operated little nightlight too, but don't bother with that now (kids 8 & 6).

I also keep an old school-reading-folder-full (each) of stockingfiller type toys, crayons, & notebooks, which only come on holiday (so each time ds & dd fall on their folders with cries of nostalgic delight).

Finally, though this may be controlfreakish, I keep a standard packing list on computer, which I started when I had just one baby & have updated with each holiday - so that each time I have a good idea it's there to remind me the next. Means that I remember things like, say, sunglasses, which I'd otherwise forget.

make sure you take talc on the beach this is brill for kids to use when that sand is sticking to them a few squeezes takes all the sand off i know it leaves you white but at least no sand

Perfect Beach Holiday - Beach front villa at the St James Club, Antigua.

Most important. Don't think that you can have the same holiday that you had Before Children. If they are happy, you'll have a good time.

They will not die if they only eat ham sandwiches and fruit for a week (tested with ds)

Spread out the entertainments, give them to them all at once and you have a V messy car and bored kids within the hour.

When you stop for a loo break, set them the challenge of tidying up the back of the car for an (un-named) reward....trust me this really works!

Keep it all as simple as possible. For the longest time kids will be happy with sand and sea. Then at the end of the day, when they zonk out, treat yourself to a nice cold glass of white wine.

Consider camping or caravaning (! I know but trust me). Costs less and the kids run round, getting grubby and being kids, just like we did when we were little. And while they are doing this you can have that nice chilled glass of wine.

Take a nanny with you

Woolacombe in North Devon has lots going for it Abby. Unspoilt, but with good facilities (clean loos, showers for hosing down sandy wetsuits and their occupants); mixture of sand and wilder, craggier beaches; lovely National Trust countryside behind; family vibe.
Against it - not a wide choice of eating places as it is only small; hideous traffic if travelling there.
The DCs love, love, love it.

shhhhh, keep it to yourselves - * is perfect, perfect crescent of sand, perfect fish & chip shop, steam railway. No, sorry i can't bear to reveal it. It's in the UK though.

Leave the kids at home.

Sorry, the Mark Warner resort in San Agostino, which is in Greece near Levkas

"Mark warner, San Ag"

Am I supposed to know where that is?

Mark warner, San Ag - what made it perfect? Childcare!

Hmm.

Pas moi, we alway stay on Bryher.

(cest moi - le poisson)

bettys did i meet you once at the scilly isles? YOu rented a place in Tresco. This was about... hmm May 2001?

Perfect beach holiday: Isles of Scilly for sandy beaches, rockpools, pottering in boats, good food, safety and usually sun.

Travel survival tips: Never go anywhere without thermometer, calpol/nurofen, savlon and earplugs.

Great beach Holiday - Near Scarborough

Stayed south of Scraborough near very quiet beach, avoiding crowds (Cayton Bay). Obligatory van selling foodstuffs.

Could visit big beaches in the town to appease children's demands for donkeys (everyone loves a donkey).

Loads of other things to do nearby when NOT at bloody beach.

England's shabby chic is var jolly.

Dubai!!! Fantastic beaches, lovely people, lots of shopping malls for the evening when its too dark to swim and a very child friendly culture

check if you can hire the bulkier stuff when you get there. Lots of places will hire out most of the things you need - and of course wherever you go generally there will be shops!

Hi there furball -you missed me then, how sweet

Yes internet connection is back (thanks to computer geek neighbour) but laptop held together precariously with gaffer tape so could go horribly wrong at any point.

ROFL Sherlock - N Irish dialect obviously open to misinterpretation! AbbyMumsnet - I mean small pots, or food pots, whatever those things are called.

betty - you're back! - Heelllooo